5 Uses of a Butane Torch You Didn’t Know About

Tags - Uses of a Butane Torch

You may have seen on some television cooking shows, a chef will sometimes use a torch to get the perfect top on a creme brulee.

The torch they use is a butane torch, which is a mini torch that you can use during cooking or for small household projects, such as fixing jewellery to small pipes.

Typically, these torches weigh less than 1kg, are roughly 10 inches long and have a maximum temperature of 1370 degrees celsius.

With it being useful for many things, it’s a good idea for every household to have a butane torch handy.

But remember, it’s always worth having a fire extinguisher and a working smoke detector nearby, just in case something goes wrong - accidents happen!

It’s worth noting here that there are distinct differences between butane and propane torches: they use different fuels, emit different levels of heat and serve different purposes.

For instance, propane torches can reach much higher temperatures of up to 2000 degrees celsius.

In addition, they vary in design; propane torches have a small head that curves inwards, which allows for a more concentrated flame to be emitted, whereas a butane torch has a straight open end, allowing for a full flame to be emitted.

Lastly, butane torches are much more compact and portable, compared to propane torches that come with a larger tank, often worn as a backpack.

Now that you know what a butane torch is, here are 5 uses for it you may not have known about.

1. Strip Paint

If you’re planning on redecorating your home and you’re wondering how you’re going to strip the paint off the walls, look no further than a butane torch.

Rather than using a heat gun, a butane torch will warm up the paint a lot quicker, making it easier to remove.

All you need to do is hold the flame about 6 inches away from the paint until it begins to bubble (do not hold the flame in one place for too long or you’ll end up burning that spot).

Then, simply grab your scraper and begin removing the softened paint; this also works for varnish too.

2. Free Nuts & Bolts

We all know how annoying stubborn nuts and bolts are, and sometimes our tools are not enough to loosen them - sometimes you may have whacked your hand against the wall in an effort to free them - ouch!

Luckily, mechanics will use the trick of heating up the nut or bolt with a butane torch before they start cranking on it with a spanner.

Simply, the heat causes the metal to expand and the rust to crack loose, and that makes the but or bolt a lot easier to turn.

However, you must be careful and make sure there is nothing flammable nearby, such as a leaking fuel near the fastener before you turn the flame on.

3. Give Wood a Vintage Feel

When fire comes into contact with wood, it gives it a unique and distinct appearance.

So, if you have some wooden furniture and want to give it a vintage feel, take a butane torch and run the flame over it which will give it a distressed look.

Moreover, you can even do this with metals, such as copper, and this is a very popular trend in the furniture world at the moment.

Keep in mind, the surface of wood and metal will transform after a couple of seconds, so don’t keep the flame on one spot for too long or you risk melting or burning the material.

4. Shape Jewellery 

A lot of craftspeople will use a butane torch to shape jewellery.

The reason being, is by heating the metal with a small touch, they are able to easily bend it into the exact shape needed for the perfect fit, be it rings, necklaces or bracelets.

In fact, this is a great tool for beginners too; the process of soldering helps you to melt, cut and bond different types of materials into fine jewellery pieces.

5. In the Kitchen

There are a lot of ways you can use a butane torch in the kitchen.

Firstly, you can use it to cook steak.

Yes, that’s right!

Simply place your meat on the grill and then use a butane torch on both sides until the meat goes brown; chefs call this the Maillard reaction, which essentially helps to seal in the meat's flavour.

Secondly, it works superbly to brown the toppings of certain dishes, like creme brulee to melt the sugar until it turns glossy and crips.

Or, if you’ve cooked a macaroni and cheese, you can brown the topping using the butane torch until the cheese bubbles and the breadcrumbs are crispy.

In fact, you can even use a butane torch to roast peppers if you haven’t got time to cook them in the oven.

All you have to do is place the pepper onto some tin foil and work the flame until the skin blackens and blisters.

All in all, using a butane torch in the kitchen is a sign of a truly accomplished home chef!

Final Thoughts

Who would have thought it: butane torches are great for everyday applications, so you no longer have to wait on professionals to get little jobs done, like stripping paint.

From soldering to plumbing and preparing dishes, everyone should have a butane torch handy, especially as they’re super easy to use.

Want to know more? Please get in touch today.

In the meantime, take a look at our Butane Gas Refills here.

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